Massages that do you good

Massages are part of a wellness programme for two reasons. They are suitable for relieving muscle tension and are a benefit for the soul, because skin contact, metabolism stimulation and relaxation have a positive effect on the psyche.

Relax with a massage

The effect of a massage is amazing, because it loosens tensions that are deep in the muscle. A masseur rarely works on such hardened muscle tensions by loosening them mechanically. Rather, he works the skin and the connective tissue underneath. This leads to better blood circulation in the skin and muscles. At the same time, cell metabolism is stimulated. Blood pressure and pulse rate decrease measurably and a deep psychological relaxation occurs. The body produces hormones such as endorphin and oxytocin, which ensure calm and relaxation.

Skilled therapists loosen the adhesions of individual tissue layers with certain grips. You certainly know the effect of a hot water bottle on stomach cramps. The heat from outside does not reach the cramped intestine directly, but indirectly relaxes it because you stimulate the blood circulation by applying heat. A massage also has an indirect effect because the blood vessels dilate and more oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles.

A trick can provide a quick, but usually only temporary, relaxation of the muscles. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you have to get to the bottom of the problem. The poet Christian Morgenstern is said to have said that the body is the translator of the soul into the visible. Therefore, you can relieve muscle tension by reducing stress and problems.

In many cases, the wrong posture is the reason for tense muscles. Since people often intuitively adopt a protective posture because a muscle hurts, a trick that releases the muscle tension can be the beginning of permanently eliminating the problem. But you have to pay attention to the correct posture in the future.

A method that helps very quickly is usually only possible if a second person helps with the massage. Tension often causes the affected muscle strands to harden. These so-called trigger points are clearly noticeable. It is often enough to apply a little pressure to these points. This triggers a local twitching and the knot literally springs open. Since such tensions usually occur in the back, you can rarely feel the point yourself in order to perform the so-called pressure point massage, also called trigger point massage. In the neck, self-massage usually works well.

If you can't ask a partner to massage your back, you should get a massage gel. You can easily massage your back with this rubber ball. The nubs stimulate blood circulation in the skin, which, as already mentioned, has an effect on the deeper tissue. Massage pads or massage chairs also quickly provide relief.

In order to feel completely comfortable with a massage, you need someone to massage you. This doesn't have to be your partner, friends can also give each other an excellent massage. There is also the option of bringing a professional into your home. Many trained masseurs or physiotherapists offer massages as a mobile service.

Use relaxing music and fragrances to create a suitable atmosphere in which you feel good from head to toe. Choose music recordings of real instruments, because electronic music contains frequencies that the brain perceives as stressful. You don't have to use special meditation sounds. Choose slow music that you like.

Candles support the atmosphere with pleasant flickering and warm natural light. With scented candles you can also create a pleasant scent in the room. This should not be intrusive and should harmonise with the scent of the massage oil. As far as the scent is concerned, less is usually more. It is better not to use scented candles if the oil has a strong scent. If you massage with baby oil, which is almost odourless, the candles may spread a somewhat stronger scent.

• At the beginning of the massage, spread the oil generously with the palms of your hands. Stroke your partner's back in circular motions. Gradually increase the pressure, but be careful not to cause pain.
• After this familiarisation, gently knead the skin with your fingers and the heels of your hands without squeezing it. Find a comfortable rhythm and alternate between kneading and stroking with the palm of your hand.
• Finally, pat the entire back with the edges of your hands or slightly opened fists. Of course, the strokes must also be gentle, as they are only meant to stimulate the blood circulation, never to cause pain.

After about 30 minutes of relaxation, the massaged partner feels balanced and relaxed from head to toe. Now you exchange roles and the other person lets him/herself be pampered by a massage.

Women usually love playful and flowery fragrances. The oil may smell like jasmine or lily of the valley. Men prefer citrus or spicy scents. If you plan to massage each other, you should agree on a scent that both of you like. During the second massage, the scent of the oil used during the first will still hang in the room.

Especially for couples who have been together for a long time, the erotic component of the relationship has often diminished considerably. Use the massage to create a tingling atmosphere. A satisfying sex life always contributes to well-being. Many shops offer high-quality massage oils that have a stimulating effect in this respect. Just give it a try.

Neck massage

You can massage your neck yourself without any aids. One-sided neck pain is often a nuisance. If you have pain on the left side, it is usually the trapezius muscle that is tense. With your right hand, grasp the muscle that runs from the left side of your neck to the ball of your arm. Gently dig your fingertips into it and pull your fingers forward over your shoulder. Repeat the movements a few times until the pain subsides.

Then take hold of the muscles on the right and left of the neck spine with your fingers. Slowly pull them forward. Lower your head and then let your gaze slowly wander upwards.

Massage with mechanical aids

You can buy a range of sticks, hooks or bows to apply pressure to trigger points. This is not easy as you cannot feel the hardening in the back muscles.

Self-massage of the back is easy with a hedgehog ball (massage ball), a hard foam roller or ball. You simply lie down on the ball and move your back over it. Alternatively, lean against a wall and clamp the tool between the wall and your back. Move your upper body up and down without reducing the pressure; back and forth.

Electric massage pads, such as cushions, chairs or devices, work by vibrating or by having rollers moving inside. The vibration massage is perceived as pleasant, but loosens tensions only slightly. Systems with rollers are offered as Shiatsu massage devices. They can even relieve severe tension. However, massaging is sometimes painful and can also lead to sore muscles.

Massages promote well-being. They are therefore ideal to round off a wellness programme. A mutual partner massage is particularly popular because it can stimulate erotic interest as well as contribute to the couple's mental harmony.