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The best way to relax and relieve the burden of worries… No, no, not to go on a short vacation (although we also like this option), but to trust the hands of a professional massage therapist! And for those who are always busy and in a hurry, we talk about the most accessible way of relaxation – self-massage.
What is self massage
This is the time you devote to yourself. That in itself is incredibly valuable. Plus bring huge benefits to the body and skin. After all, what is self-massage?
The ability to use special movements to bring the body into tone, give the skin an additional boost of energy, get rid of fatigue and relieve the load of worries. In a word, get real pleasure not only from rest and relaxation, but also from the transformed reflection in the mirror.
The benefits of self-massage
Let’s say right away that self-massage of the body and face at home is useful for everyone!
Firstly, as one of the manifestations of self-love, acceptance of one’s body, oneself – in the modern world, full of speeds, this is especially important.
Secondly, a little hedonism can’t hurt – remember how long ago you pampered yourself and gave yourself the opportunity to relax?
Thirdly (or firstly?), self-massage promotes skin elasticity, makes facial contours tightened.
Body massage is used to:
bring the skin into tone;
smooth out wrinkles;
soften the appearance of cellulite;
tighten the skin in problem areas;
improve microcirculation;
cheer up;
cheer up after sleep or due to lack of sleep;
relax with physical overwork.
There are not so many ways by which self-massage is done:
hands – the simplest and most affordable;
banks – if used improperly, there is a chance of getting bruises on the body;
natural bristle brush – a great way to self-massage for those “who like it hot”; the main thing is to buy the right brush with a long handle;
using a hard washcloth – it is better to choose a washcloth made from natural materials.
When choosing one or another method of massage, it is important to know which movements will not harm the skin. Therefore, we recommend that you first consult with a specialist.
Противопоказания
Self-massage can not be used for:
rashes in the acute stage;
chronic ailments;
acute infections;
pregnancy and lactation.
Self-massage saves from blues and fatigue! It will help to gain self-confidence and fill the body with energy and vigor.
Basic self-massage techniques
If you practice self-massage, then this procedure has probably already become a daily habit. Experts recommend doing self-massage every time you take a shower. Strengthen the result will help a set of physical exercises. But this is a topic for a separate article, and it will soon appear on our website.
As for the technique of performing self-massage, it is important to adhere to long-established principles.
All movements must be made from the periphery to the center.
Massage can be done with your hands or with the help of special brushes with natural bristles.
Look for the ingredients:
horse chestnut extract
caffeine,
allantoin,
vitamin E;
hyaluronic acid.
It is recommended to give self-massage of the body for 15-20 minutes. If this is too much for you, try to carve out for yourself at least 5-7 minutes daily – this is quite enough for preventive purposes and to feel the difference “before and after”. You may be motivated to extend the time allotted for self-massage.
If you want to achieve a pronounced anti-aging effect, then it is better to turn to professionals.
So, how to do self-massage? Movements and techniques are quite simple and intuitive. We tell.
Stroking
The main thing here is not to rush and try to carry out all movements along the massage lines, that is, in the direction of the movement of the lymph.
Rastiranie
Quite an intensive part of the procedure. In fact, this is a warming up of the skin and muscles – a rather noticeable sliding with pressure with palms with joined fingers on those parts of the body that need to be worked out. The main thing – during these movements (translational or circular) do not take your hands off the skin. Both stroking and rubbing are both pleasurable and beneficial in themselves. However, they are preparation for the next stage of the massage.
Kneading
It would seem that the simplest exercise – pinch and knead. But this is probably the quintessence of massage. So, kneading is the capture of the skin along with subcutaneous fat and muscle. The purpose of kneading is to get to the muscles. It is also a good idea to study where on your body there are important points that regulate the functioning of the body. Knowing them will make things easier. Some areas should be pressed harder, while others should be protected from strong pressure.
Vibration
This is an extra boost. Today, it is very convenient to entrust vibration to a home massager, who copes with the task more efficiently than a person, because he does not get tired and does not lose his rhythm. The choice of massagers is huge. The main thing is not to overdo it. In this matter, longer does not mean better.
How to do body massage at home
Ideal women do self-massage of the whole body (and at the same time the face). But we know for sure that many of us will not have the patience, time or energy for such an event. Therefore, we propose an average formula. Choose which movements to perform and which technique to follow.
Head and face
We wrote about how to perform self-massage of the head and face here. We only recall that of the techniques the most popular are such types of massage as sculptural, mimic, Italian, Tibetan.
Neck
The technique of self-massage of the neck comes down to the basic rule: all movements are directed upwards, towards the chin area. About the number of repetitions of movements and in general all the details can be found here.
Collar zone
Massage of the collar zone is called “office”. It is clear that this part of office workers is the most stressed. The collar zone includes, in addition to the neck and shoulders, the upper back to the shoulder blades. Therefore, on our own, we can do not much here. But active kneading after a series of strokes and rubbing will definitely give a good effect. The main thing is not to rush.
Stomach
A stiff brush is useful for massaging the abdomen. Movement – clockwise, without much pressure. It is better to carry out self-massage on a dry body.
Legs
For legs, it is also better to use a hard brush or washcloth made of natural material. It would be good to apply anti-cellulite milk to the skin before starting the massage, for example, Garnier Ultra Elasticity. The movements are circular, from the bottom up, quite intense. Five minutes for each leg.
Arms
Hands require special attention. For massage, arm yourself with a stiff brush or washcloth. Spend time on the triceps area to make the skin smoother.
Skin care after self-massage
After self-massage and water procedures, the skin of the body must be well moisturized. After such a charge, the epidermis will better absorb the active ingredients of cosmetics. Moisturizing and nourishing body creams are suitable. Choose the ones that suit your skin type and match the season.
Revitalizing and nourishing body cream Nutrix Royal Body, Lancôme
When it comes to melting luxurious body creams, Lancôme products immediately come to mind. This body moisturizer contains glycerin, hazelnut proteins, apricot kernel oil, corn oil and royal jelly. It can provide nourishment to dry and very dry skin, give it comfort and help retain moisture.
Triple action balm for face and body Lipikar Baume AP + M, La Roche-Posay
The advanced formula of a triple action balm is suitable for dry and atopy-prone skin. The product instantly moisturizes and soothes, helping to reduce itching and irritation caused by dryness, intensively nourishes, moisturizes for a long time, restoring the skin’s protective barrier.
Nourishing body cream Creme de Corps, Kiehl’s
This nourishing body cream is formulated with beta-carotene, squalane and nourishing oils. The thick, rich formula absorbs quickly to provide skin with moisture without leaving a sticky feeling. Makes skin soft and delicate. Great for very dry skin.
Melting Body Milk with Bifido Complex and Mango Butter, Garnier
Gentle milk literally melts on the skin, softens and actively moisturizes it, leaving the skin velvety and smooth.
Summary results
How important is self-massage?
The basis of massage, as well as self-massage, is the ability to use special techniques to bring the body into tone, give an additional boost of energy, relieve fatigue and relieve the burden of worries. In a word, to get real pleasure is not only to relax, but also to see your transformed reflection in the mirror. Even hygienic, the shortest of all types of massage (it includes a minimum set of stroking, rubbing and kneading), is extremely useful.
What are the benefits of self-massage?
Self-massage is used to:
bring the skin into shape, increasing its tone;
smooth out wrinkles;
get rid of cellulite;
tighten the skin in problem areas;
improve microcirculation;
cheer up;
get rid of overwork, physical and psychological.
Sports massage makes it possible to quickly rehabilitate after serious physical exertion.
Are there any contraindications for self-massage?
Only the most basic:
exacerbation of the disease;
skin lesions;
serious chronic illnesses;
sometimes pregnancy and lactation (all individually).