Know Someone Who Is Stressed and Exhausted? These 5 Massage Techniques Are Exactly What They Need

Research shows that massage therapy can actually help reduce stress. But you can’t always get to a therapist after a long tiring day of work, right? Well, these simple massage techniques might come in handy, so you can still be Zen while at home or taking a break from work.

We at Bright Side are excited to try these massage techniques with you to loosen up your muscles from head to toe. Get ready to drive the stress away!

1. Foot massage

Our feet can get exhausted after a long day of work. A foot massage can give you some much-needed relief. But it doesn’t just feel good. Research shows it can improve your mental health and blood pressure too!

How to do it:

• Hold the heel of the foot with one hand.

• Using the other hand, bend all the toes on one foot back and forth at the same time. Slowly flex the toes to their full range of motion.

• Repeat this movement while gently increasing the pressure.

2. Backbone massage

Sitting for several hours a day can leave your spine sore, stiff, and in pain. You can relieve tension from all that sitting through this massage technique, with the help of a friend’s extra pair of hands and massage oil.

How to do it:

• Sit comfortably in a chair, lay your arms on the table and rest your head down.
• Ask your friend to put some massage oil on your back. Rub the entire area of your back with long strokes. This improves the blood circulation, supplying fresh blood and energy to the strained muscles.
• Repeat this process for around 20 minutes.

3. Scalp massage

Do you feel relaxed when massaging your scalp while taking a shower? This is because a scalp massage has been proven to improve comfort and reduce stress. Try this massage technique by yourself or with a friend using only your fingertips!

How to do it:

• Begin with light strokes at the top of the head. Work your way down to the neck and shoulders.
• Rake your fingers through the hair. Start at the front of the hairline and work your way down to the back of the neck.
• Grab 2 sections of the hair on both sides of the head. Begin twisting the hair from the scalp to the ends. Give a slight tug as you go.

• Put one hand on the top of your head. Stroke your hair with the other hand, applying light pressure to the scalp and the back of the neck.

• Run your fingers from both sides of the head until they interlace. Squeeze then slightly lift the hair and scalp.

• Finish with light, smooth hair strokes.

4. Ear massage

Have you ever de-stressed through massaging your ears? It is possible according to reflexology, which involves triggering pressure points linked to certain organs and parts of the body. It has also been proven by research. Discover which points to press to feel more calm and relaxed through this massage technique.

How to do it:

• Lightly pinch your ears using your index finger and thumb. Move along the edges starting from the bottom to the top. Rub and massage them. Pay attention to tender areas and work them a little longer and harder.

• Now, move to your earlobe and start massaging. Your earlobe represents your brain, face, jaw, neurotransmitters, and emotions.
• Most people feel more alive, more awake, and more ready to face their task and the world around them after they have performed this technique.

5. Massage for tired eyes

Eyestrain can be caused by a variety of things, including the daily use of digital screens for several hours at a time. To relieve tired eyes, try massaging acupressure points around your eyes. Some studies even show that acupressure can change your mood.

How to do it:

• Locate the point between your eyes and start rubbing in small circles. This can help ease eyestrain. Do it gently using your fingertips or your knuckles.
• Now, find the spot beneath your eyes and start massaging in the center.
• Next, work your way to the outer corner of your eye. Remember to massage in small circles.
• Another eye massage spot is the middle of your eyebrows. Start massaging this spot or any area along your eyebrow.
• You should massage each point for about 10 seconds.

What massage techniques do you do to relax? Share them in the comments so we can try them too!