
Feeling stressed? Body aching and stiff? A build-up of tension can lead to pain, disrupted sleep and low mood. But before you book that pricey treatment or reach for the medicine cabinet, there are plenty of ways you can help yourself at home. Not only will self-administered massage and acupressure save you a hefty price tag or reliance on over-the-counter remedies, but they can have results, helping to soothe sore muscles while giving you a boost. Here’s what you need to know.
Why treat yourself?
We don’t always need to see a professional to ease physical and mental tension. While expert help is vital if you’re in lots of pain, have an acute injury or you’re experiencing numbness or spasms, learning techniques to do at home can keep niggling aches at bay and calm the mind. Massages, acupressure and reflexology are often regarded as luxuries, but their benefits suggest that it’s time to move these ‘treats’ into the ‘essentials’ category.
Self-massage helps prevent tension building up and causing negative effects on the body, says massage therapist Sarah Jane Watson*. ‘Constricted muscles limit blood flow and our tissues don’t receive the nourishment from fresh oxygen and nutrients that they need,’ she says. A DIY massage is also effective at treating the mind, as it helps to relieve stress. ‘It releases oxytocin and increases dopamine and serotonin levels, and has a rejuvenating effect on the mind and body, aiding deeper and slower breathing,’ she adds.
Heal with touch
Massage your body on top of your clothes, or you can rub oil into the skin if you prefer, says Sarah Jane.
LOOSEN SHOULDERS
This story is from the Issue 289 edition of Woman One Shot UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 289 edition of Woman One Shot UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

LOVE reigns supreme
From soulmates and fairy tales to scandals, affairs and divorces, the Royal Family are no strangers to epic and complicated love stories. We've watched them unfold on The Crown, cheered on their lavish weddings, waited with baited breath for the arrival of their little princes and princesses, and rooted for their happy endings. So, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we take a look at the oh-so-royal romances that still have us hooked

Five years since MEGXIT!
Harry and Meghan rocked royal history with one fateful decision in 2020 has the Sussex shocker paid off?

All the Queen's HORSES
From racehorses to Fell ponies, horses held a special place in the heart of Queen Elizabeth II

Some extra-special DELIVERIES
Aroyal customer changed everything for these two women

LOVE conquers all'
Sarah Ferguson reveals why she will always stand by her prince

'I DROPPED MY CHOCS OFF AT THE PALACE'
Chocolatier Geri Martin, 45, lives in Coleraine with her children Abigail, 15, and Josh, 12.

10 things you didn't know about KING CHARLES
From his favourite food to having a frog species named after him, there are many surprising facts about the Monarch

The real Middleton POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
Why Kate’s mum Carole holds a vital position within the Royal Family

Hurt Meghan's BIG REGRETS
The Sussexes may be prepared to make a shock U-turn, but is the Royal Family ready to forgive and forget?

Following in MUM'S FOOTSTEPS
Is Prince George about to break a big royal tradition?