Recession, long nights and stress at work can bring about depression, fatigue and anxiety. But regular massage helps to fight this by releasing mood-enhancing chemicals.
The International Journal of Neuroscience examined the effects of massage on depression, stress reduction at work and the stress of ageing. In the study, the stress hormone Cortisol showed an average decrease of 31% while the neurotransmitter dopamine increased by 31% and ‘happy drug’ seratonin was up by 28%.
A further study carried out for The Journal of Chronic Fatigue, said “depression, anxiety and pain not only decreased after the receiving the first massage, but continued to decrease over the 5-week treatment period.”
Massage is proven to influence the body’s biochemical system, support the immune systems and aid stress relief, but if you don’t fancy getting undressed and getting oily, then Indian Head Massage is an ideal solution.
Working directly on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, head, hair, scalp and face, Indian Head Massage provides immediate relief for anxious minds and aching shoulders.
Seeking out a professional is the ideal solution, but if money’s tight here’s a free and effective 9-step DIY solution.
- Sit with a straight back, close your eyes and breath through your nose 3 times. Allow your eyes and jaw to soften and let your shoulders drop.
- Breathe deeply and exhale, turning your head to the right. Inhale back to centre and exhale to the left. Don’t overextend your neck. Repeat 3 times.
- Inhale, then on the exhale, drop your head towards your chest and rotate your head in both directions.
- Using your fingertips, ‘shampoo’ your scalp. Increase and decrease the pressure to suit, but don’t forget the base of the head, under the occipital bone. This is a tension hot spot so get in deep with your thumbs.
- Grab hold of your hair, close to the scalp, and give it a good tug. Repeat several times to encourage fresh blood into the hair follicle.
- Tap your head with your fingertips, like raindrops.
- Place the heel of your hands on your temples and gently squeeze several times. Then rotate your hands in wide circular movements in both directions.
- Tilt your head back slightly, and work your fingers down your neck. Using oil (almond, olive, sesame) is great but not essential. Massage the neck getting right up and under the occipital bone and down to the top of the spine.
- Finally use your right hand to massage, squeeze and lift the left shoulder, then the left hand on the right shoulder. Any redness is a normal, healthy sign that blood is circulating.
alcohol or caffeine for at least one hour.Repeat the massage weekly for optimum results.
Visit www.indianchampissage.com