READER’S DIGEST
4 Self-
Massage
Techniques
HEALTH
PHOTO: GET T Y IMAGESFROM 5-MINUTE HEALTH BOOSTERS1 MASSAGE YOURSELF
REGULARLY Every morning and
evening, hammer out the kinks. Using
your fists, gently thump the outside of
your body, starting with your legs and
arms, working from top to bottom.
Then move inwards to your torso
and thump from bottom to top. The
pummelling will help to strengthen
your body, stimulate blood circulation
and relax nerve endings.
2 MASSAGE YOUR HANDS
DAILY Start with the bottom of your
palms by clasping your fingers and
rubbing the heels of your palms
together in a circular motion. Then,
with your hands still clasped, take
one thumb and massage the area
just below your other thumb in
circular motions, moving outwards
to the centre of the palm. Repeat
with the other hand. Then release
yourfingersanduse your palms and
fists to massage the area. With one
hand, gently pull each finger of the
other hand. Finish by using your
thumb and index finger to pinch the
webbing between your other thumb
and index finger.3 RUB YOUR STOMACH
AFTER EVERY MEAL Most of us
do this instinctively, especially
after overeating. Place one or both
palms on your abdomen and rub
it in clockwise circles. This is the
same direction that food naturally
moves through your intestine, so
your circular massage will stimulate
digestion.4 BEFORE AND AFTER
EXERCISE Before exercising, use a
pummelling motion with your fists
to bring blood flow to your leg and
arm muscles. After exercising, rub
along your muscles with your palm
or fist moving in the direction of your
heart. Massaging your muscles after
exercise may help to encourage waste
removal and speed muscle recovery.22 march 2020