9 Massage Envy-Approved Techniques for Therapeutic Self-Massage

By CG Funk, vice president of industry relations & product development, Massage Envy

One of the most ancient of arts of touching involves the rubbing of hands and feet. Oftentimes, this is referred to as reflexology. It is believed in many cultures that there are points on the hands and feet that correlate to every part of the human body, such as the organs, glands, muscles, bones, and so on.

While having a reflexology treatment from a trained therapist is a wonderful, healing experience, reflexology can also be applied through self-massage. Self-massage can be used to energize yourself in the morning, during your busy day, or in the evening at the end of your day. Lotion or oil lubricants are not necessary for self massage.

Bonus: One University of Miami study found that a brief self-massage at work reduced stress and boosted job performance. After a 15-minute massage, workers were more alert and could complete math problems faster and with more accuracy.

Give these nine self-massage techniques a try any time of day!

Clasp hands together and rub the heels of each palm together in circular motion.
Clasp hands together and rub the heels of each palm together in circular motion.
Open one hand, palm facing up, and use thumb of opposite hand to provide circular motion.
Stroke the back of your hand from fingers to wrist gently gliding back and forth.
Squeeze hand pressing between the palm and fingers
Squeeze each finger individually and gently stretch
With thumb, apply circular motion around both sides of wrist
Circle wrist in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions
Circle wrist in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
Hold fingers on opposite hand, and stretch down towards floor and up towards ceiling.
For headaches, squeeze area between thumb and index finger. Maintain pressure for 1-2 minutes.

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dr-cg-funk

Beyond being responsible for the creation of national staff recruiting and retention programs, development of new service offerings, and public relations outreach within the massage and esthetic professions at Massage Envy, CG Funk is also the national spokesperson to media, professional industry organizations, and government regulatory departments for the national spa brand. Funk has been actively involved in the massage therapy industry since 1992, holds massage therapy licenses herself in Arizona and California, and is a guest lecturer and presenter at various industry trade shows and conventions. 

Beyond being responsible for the creation of national staff recruiting and retention programs, development of new service offerings, and public relations outreach within the massage and esthetic professions at Massage Envy, CG Funk is also the national spokesperson to media, professional industry organizations, and government regulatory departments for the national spa brand. Funk has been actively involved in the massage therapy industry since 1992, holds massage therapy licenses herself in Arizona and California, and is a guest lecturer and presenter at various industry trade shows and conventions. 

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