Need a massage? Do it yourself!

Receiving a massage from a partner or therapist is one of life’s little pleasures, but if you’re on your own and feeling in need of rub, why not try a spot of self-massage? It’s surprisingly effective at easing tension and restoring energy and you can do it whenever or wherever you please!

Most people hold stress in their shoulders, so start soothing away those knots by pressing down along the top of your shoulder; working your way from the base of the neck outwards. Repeat three times on each shoulder.

Now use your finger tips to massage the neck with small circular motions, working your way from the base, up to the ears and around the base of the skull. Repeat several times.

Place your hand on your shoulder, beside your neck and grab hold of the flesh and squeeze. Then use a fist to lightly pummel the area. Repeat three times on each side.

Next, move on to the arms. Put your hand on your arm, by the elbow and work your way up to the shoulder with firm squeezes. Repeat, ensuring you work right around the arm.

Use your thumb to massage the forearm with small circular motions, working your way from the wrist, up to the elbow. Repeat several times, ensuring you work right around the forearm. Finish by squeezing around your elbow with your thumb and fingers.

To revive tired legs, start by briskly stroking up from ankle to thigh to boost circulation. Use both hands to massage around the kneecap in small circular movements, before moving on to knead the calf muscles. Continue the kneading on the thigh, working all around with both hands.

And don’t forget the feet – the hardest working part of the body. Use some cream and massage the ball of the foot with both thumbs, in small circular motions. Continue the circular pressure over the raised instep, working from the inner to the outer edge. Now make a fist and firmly rotate over the instep.

Massage each toe between thumb and forefinger and gently stretch up. Finish by stroking up the foot, from toes to ankle.

Combined with other relaxation practices, such as yoga or meditation, self-massage can be a valuable part of your self-care routine, offering many of the benefits of a massage by partner or therapists. However, the care and attention of another person is the ideal, so don’t be shy to ask! If you are looking for a good Asian massage in London, I recommend you try our Relaxing Asian Massage.