I'm terrific with my hands, but this tool does a better job because it's stimulating and the special effect that comes from the beads is pleasing.
These magnetic beads rotate and help to release toxins from the body, and I find it more manageable to do a massage on myself using this hand massager.
I'm quite new at performing massages on myself, but after the second time, I got a better grip and manoeuvred my hands and hand massager effectively and safely.
Using oils while massaging is great for gliding, and soothing, and oils can be extremely relaxing, especially if you're using organic or aromatherapy oils.
I've chosen this oil above because of its self-warming properties and slimming effect.
The self-massage that has been my focus for the past few days is a slimming massage with an emphasis on my tummy.
My system has been sluggish and I have been feeling a little lethargic, so this massage has been helping me to deal with my fluid retention and bloating.
I've been combining these massages with some reflexology, which help to aid with releasing toxins from my body, and they are lovely me-time activities to indulge in.
For doing my tummy massages
I've been lying flat on my back on my yoga mat. That's a good form of support for my back, and I get to place it right next to the radiator so that I am comfortable and warm. Still, you could do it on your bed, that works for me too.
It's important to do a tummy massage on an empty stomach, so first thing in the morning works perfectly.
I like a relaxing setting, so I wear an eye mask, close the curtains, and listen to some relaxing sounds from my cordless headset. You could light candles around you if you like.
Once comfortable, I rub my hands together to warm them.
Then I interlock my hands and place them on my tummy, palms down, and take deep breaths and relax.
It's important to be relaxed while doing massages, but make sure to take note of any discomfort that you might feel, and you could just reduce the pressure on those areas.
- I then rub my tummy by doing long strokes in a circular motion with my oiled hands, and I repeat 3 times.
- This positioning of the fingers are vital for accurate movement, for applying pressure to the tummy, but I alternate and use the yellow massager, for ease.
There is a special technique to use if your intention is for reducing fat from the tummy, but for now, I'm only doing circular motions between the sternum and my navel for relaxation, and to help with the flow of energy there. This stimulates my bowel movement and makes my body feel lighter and less bloated.
My love for massages and many other complementary therapies is undying, and becoming a masseuse is something that I came very close to investing in. However, right before parting with my money and signing up for a course, I was bombarded with "what ifs".
- what if someone with offensive body odour presents themself to me?
- do I want to be rubbing oils all over strangers' naked bodies?
- what if a drop-dead gorgeous muscular guy presents himself to me? Would I be professional?
I'd be the ever-vigilant professional!
Still, I decided against going down the massage therapist path. Plus, I'm slightly OCD and extremely particular about cleanliness, washing my hands and that kind of thing, so I scratched that dream.
Over the years though, I keep going back to studying physiotherapy and I do keep abreast with new chiropractic and physiotherapy exercises, which I find help with my posture, core, and spinal health.
Would a massage course for my personal use help? Maybe. Also, I think it could be an option for me to probably offer private massages at home when I have a more permanent place that I call home.
Thoughts are buzzing in my head. I will give an update on the improvements I'm getting from my tummy massages.
A video would be nice, don't you think? I need to figure out a way to do a video without making my post fall into the NSFW category, but it's possible because these massages can be done anywhere. Probably when it's warmer outside, I might pack my camera and go to a park, I think I'd be more relaxed doing a massage outdoors in a park than in the woods.
Note: Massages are great physical couple activities, but can you make a separation? Have you ever prepared yourself mentally for a relaxing massage with your partner, and got deviated?
I think that's a common situation that couples find themselves in. That's one of the reasons why I think having a self-massage could be the next big thing.
All images belong to me