Massage Away the Stress on Skin

With the fall season comes a chance to relax a little and try to manage stress on skin better. Stress runs you down, damages your health, makes you look and feel older, and affects your skin. One of the best ways to manage stress is with massage. Name one other thing that makes you feel great, relaxes you and is good for you – very few come to mind! Massage not only releases tension, but it can also help regulate blood pressure and boost your immune system. If done correctly, at-home massage can have amazing benefits for you and your partner. Massage should be given with firm pressure so you can feel the muscle move beneath the skin. If your partner grimaces, squirms or protests, you are using too much pressure. Use slow, even strokes with the flat palm of your hands, thumbs and fingertips. Don’t push too hard on the spine, ribs or shoulder blades – you can bruise the bones.

Slowly Relieve the Stress on Skin for Better Feelings and Appearance

Your shoulders are where your tension will show up first. Stand behind your partner and put your hands or forearms on each shoulder. Then, using your thumbs or your forearms, slowly rub from shoulder toward the neck to relieve stress on skin. Or use a tennis ball – roll the ball all over with the palm of your hand. It saves your hands from getting tired and it feels great. For pain in the lower back, straddle your partner as she or he lay face down. Place one hand on the lower back to the side of the spine with your fingers pointed out from the spine. Put your other hand on top of that one. Push down with your body weight away from the spine. Rock back and forth. Then turn around to do the other side. Neck pain is caused by lots of things – sitting at a computer, the way you sleep, too much stress. Place the palm of your hand against the neck, thumb on one side and fingers on the other. Slowly squeeze your thumb and fingers together as you pull back from the neck to help ease the neck muscles. There are arteries in the neck, so avoid pressing too hard – if you can feel a pulse, lighten up.

Add a Soothing Massage for the Stress on Skin

Hands and feet benefit from a quick pick-me-up with a hand and foot massage. It will also manage stress on skin. Hold your partner’s hand in both of yours, and use your thumbs on the pads of the fingers and palm to massage gently. Pull each finger firmly (but don’t crack the knuckles). For the feet, follow the same pattern, thumbs massaging the pads and balls of the feet, pulling the foot gently, then massaging firmly but carefully. And don’t forget to use an organic body oil, such as Eminence Apricot Body Oil, to make your movements smooth and comfortable. It will help hydrate and moisturize your skin and leave it smelling sweet and fresh. Apricots are high in vitamins A, C and E which help your skin to retain elasticity, clarity and suppleness to avoid stress on skin.