Ways to Massage One’s Self
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Finlay]Lorna Finlay

There are several ways to receive a massage. It will take a person hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to receive a month’s continuous session of massage. There are ways to achieve total massage effectiveness and save more; one thing is to massage yourself. Here are some steps to do an effective self massage:

Step 1 - Warm up

The first step is to loosen tightened muscles with a nice warm bath. To alleviate soreness, soaking oneself in Epsom salt will help. After the soothing bath, dry yourself with a towel fresh from the dryer.

Step 2 - Clothes off

As much as possible, since you’re doing it yourself, keep yourself with minimal clothing for it is better to give yourself a massage when there is skin-to-skin contact. Using a hypoallergenic lotion, gently apply it on the portion where you intended to focus the massage. Lotions and oils help in the loosening muscles and knots.

Step 3 - Shoulders and neck

Starting with the shoulders and neck, firmly work with your fingers in small circles. Move at the back of your head then down the shoulders. Continue until you’ve reached your hands. Perform small circles when you feel that there are knots. While doing the procedure, put yourself in a calm state with slow and even breathing pattern. Be sure that your fingers are well-lubricated so as not to induce friction.

Step 4 - Lower back

You can either wear clothes or not. Roll a large towel or blanket. Place the rolled towel or blanket on the floor then lay down on top of it facing up. You have to make sure that your back is positioned exactly on the roll. With the use of pressure by your body, initiate rolling motion. This will help ease out tension taken from the back.

Step 5 - Feet

With the use of your thumbs, dig it into a circular motion to the soles of the feet. Don’t forget to massage the bottom of your toes. Not forgetting to lubricate your hands, start rubbing your ankle across the top down to the toes. Roll the feet in order to perform ankle stretches. By lying flat on the floor, put up your feet on a wall then stretch your arms.

Step 6 - Regenerate

After the process, it is just proper to rest for a couple of minutes and drink appropriate amounts of water.

These methods may not be as good as what you are getting inside a massage parlor but it will definitely work to continuously maintain good relaxation and proper health.

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