Massage, tips, benefits and tools for home self/partner massage.

We all love the moment when we can just relax and be in the moment and what is better than a massage?

I guess that most of us experienced some professional massage and I bet that each of us loves it and usually wishes to last it forever. Ohhh, I wish.

But you can get a decent massage at home (of course, that is you have a friend or partner you live with, you can feel almost like in-salon :)). We all sometimes come tired from work or have a busy week, high demanding training, or everything together. I personally from time to time really desire some self-care evening - that is a must! and because I and my partner are active at work and also we do train almost every day, massage is something that we do at least 1-2 a month.

Probably when you say massage you already think of something relaxing, calming, and beneficial for your body, but let' summarize it all together.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

• reduces muscle tension and chronic pain

• improves blood circulation

• stimulation of the lymphatic system

• relaxes the body, slows respiration, reduces heart rate

• increased joint mobility and flexibility

• improved skin tone

• improved recovery of soft tissue injuries

• calms the nervous system

• improved posture

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

• reduces anxiety and depression

• reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins

• provides a feeling of well being

• stimulates emotion growth

• increases self-awareness

MENTAL BENEFITS

• reduces mental stress from daily tasks

• promotes good sleep and mental relaxation

• enhances productivity

Now, how you can enhance your enjoyment of massage at home. I usually practice warm bath-hot water, Epsom salt, bubble bath, candles or incense sticks, and of course nice relaxing music. A warm bath prior to massage really relaxes your body, relieves tension and muscle cramps.

When it comes to massage it is good to have some quality massage essential oil. I am a big fan of essential oils and I use them for skin, massage, aromatherapy, bath, hair, you name it, but remember to always check the certification that proves the quality of essential oils.

WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE/WHAT TOOLS?

Hand massage is a classic and for me personally is the best anyway, but I have found some very useful tools that are just amazing even for self-massage!

MASSAGE GUN

I say this thing is made by god! Really, I love it! :) Massage gun is probably better for sportspeople who want to help the regeneration during their training routine and help to sore muscles. I usually have this massage gun, it has 6 massage heads for different uses,

adjustable speed levels, it looks very expensive, but what else - it gives you AMAZING MASSAGE for pain relief, myofascial release, it can be used for the warm-up of muscles before exercise and relieves the soreness and stiffness of muscles after exercise.

FOAM ROLLER

A foam roller has become quite popular in the sports industry so it is more like an additional tool to your training routine, but it is also nice to use it before bed or when you wake up with your morning stretches. Foam rolling helps release tension in the muscles, relieve muscle soreness, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

CUPPING MASSAGE

This is a more advanced technique, but if you are a little bit educated about anatomy, meaning you know where the major muscles are you are ok. I am talking about this because this is more therapy than a massage.

We bought a cupping kit to try to do this therapy at home and it helps as an addition to a massage for specific stiff and painful muscle areas and it really helps to relieve the potential pain. A good thing is that when you go to a professional to get cupping therapy, you will need probably to have more sessions I matter of the time, but when you have a kit at home, you can practice and do therapy at home (with a partner of course). You will get probably bruises of different colors that show a level of blood circulation in a certain area. So don't freak out, it may look scary, but they will disappear in a couple of days. :)

Also, you can get a kit of small cups that you can use in your facial routine and they have great benefits for your face!

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

• improved blood flow

• relieve lower back pain, chronic neck pain, and other muscle stiffness and pain

• helps with fibromyalgia symptoms

• reduces cellulite

• relieves migraine symptoms

• facial cupping helps reduce acne, stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines, improves product absorption, eliminates puffiness, and glows

Conclusion

For sure, the best massage is given by someone else, but nowadays are many options on how to give yourself nice and relaxed moments. Self-care is really important especially in times when we are constantly in rush, so take a moment for yourself sometimes and help your body and mind.