As much as we\u2019d all love to have the time and money for regularly scheduled trips to the spa, sometimes self-care has to happen at home.<\/p>\n
To help you create your own at-home treatment, massage therapist Dr. Tamara Renee Thornhill and pilates therapist Patricia Pinto<\/a>\u00a0are spilling six tips for achieving a relaxing, full-body massage (sans a trip to the masseuse).<\/p>\n Head and scalp massage<\/strong> Shoulder and upper back massage<\/strong> Full back massage<\/strong> Foot massage<\/strong> Hand and arm massage<\/strong> Final stretch<\/strong> xx, The FabFitFun Team<\/p>\n Psst! Have you signed up for FabFitFun yet? Don\u2019t miss out on $200+ in amazing beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products, access to exclusive fitness and cooking content on\u00a0FabFitFunTV<\/a>, members-only sales, and more.\u00a0Use code SUNFUN at checkout for 10% off your first box<\/a>. #yourewelcome<\/p>\n
\nFor the head and scalp, nothing more is needed than your fingertips. \u201cTake the palms of your hands and, using your fingertips, place pressure in a circular motion around your head” Dr. Thornhill explains. “You can also place the base of your hand at the back of your head, cover your head, and reach towards the front of your face. [Moving] your fingertips in a circular motion, you can massage your temples.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMoving down to your shoulders, where you hold a lot of tension, \u201creach your hand across the front of your body and cup your shoulder with your fingers, reaching as far down as possible. With pressure and in a raking motion, pull your hands forward and repeat from your neck and down your shoulder,\u201d says Dr. Thornhill. You can also do this in the shower while you exfoliate with a body scrub, such as the Green Goo Hibiscus Plant-Based Body Scrub<\/a>. The mix of calendula, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, and honeysuckle scents will make for a heavenly massage experience.<\/p>\n
\nFor an effective back massage without yanking your arms to try to put pressure on the back, pull out a foam roller. We love the Soothe by Apana Full Body Massager<\/a> for deep rolling because of its rutted surface that helps stimulate blood flow. Dr. Thornhill advises starting with the foam roller under your back and just above your butt, bending your knees, and rolling your entire back up and down over the foam roller. This both massages your muscles and releases fascia.<\/p>\n
\nFor a foot massage, Dr. Thornhill suggests rolling your feet over a tennis ball or even a frozen water bottle with medium pressure.\u00a0She says that icing while rolling can help reduce any inflammation developed throughout the day.<\/p>\n
\nBefore massaging the hands and arms, glide on an ultra-moisturizing cream like C\u00e9la Cr\u00e8me de la Cr\u00e8me<\/a>. Dr. Thornhill says, \u201cWrap your hand around your forearm and use your thumb to stroke your forearm and hand. Repeat this circular motion and switch to the other side.\u201d This self-massage technique can be used anywhere, even during a quick break from jobs with frequent typing.<\/p>\n
\nPinto suggests ending with a few basic stretches. \u201cPut your seat against the wall, then slide your legs up the wall so the legs are ninety degrees to your hips and your head is resting on the floor (with your seat on the floor and legs up the wall). You can also place a pillow directly under the shoulder blades,\u201d she says. “This further releases the lumbar spine. The stretch releases the hamstrings, which then releases the low back from pressure.\u201d Pinto says concluding your massage with stretches can help eliminate leftover tightness.<\/p>\n\n