5 types of simple massages for relieving tension

Stress is very bad for your health. To relax, nothing beats these eight different types of massages that are beneficial to your health.

1. Gentle massage: Use the whole hand to do long slow movements without support. It is generally practiced at the beginning and end of the massage.
2. Circular massage: It is performed using large rotary movements, along the length or width of the muscle fibres of the back, shoulders, legs or arms to release tension before proceeding with a deeper massage.
3. Kneading: It helps to relieve cramps and knotted muscles when the body is relaxed after the previous massages. This is carried out through firm pinches to help elimination of waste and to circulate oxygenated blood.
4. Pressure massage: The thumbs and joints or flat of the hand are used to put strong pressure on a particularly sore point.
5. Massage by percussion: It is also called tapping. Small quick strokes are made to stimulate circulation under the skin and to tone the muscles. You can practice doing it with the side of the hands, in rhythm, up and down along the muscles.

Whether you are at your computer, driving your car or doing housework, your arms, your shoulders and your hands are endlessly solicited. Spare them by taking regular breaks and bydoing some simple massages.

• Support your left elbow with your right hand. Lightly pass your left hand, without stiffening it, onto your right shoulder. Using the fingertips, make small circular movements to work your muscles, starting with the base of the neck going to your right shoulder. Repeat with your right hand on the left shoulder.
• Tense your right hand, open the palm of your hand and, with your left hand, make small pats on the inside of the arm from the shoulder up to the hand. Turn your arm and make small taps on the outside, from the hand up to the shoulder. Repeat five times. Then do the same on your left arm.
• Gently massage the palm of your right hand with your left thumb and the base of the thumb, pressing well to release tension. Look for painful points and press down with your thumb, counting to five. Squeeze and massage the joints of each finger with your thumb and forefinger. Extend your fingers and rub the tip quickly to release stress and tension. Repeat the massage on the left hand.

All in all, there are different types of massages, each having a specific effect on the body. Give it a try and you should adopt them! Relax!