by Nancy Tegan 

I have a confession to make. Even though I’m a massage therapist who teaches this healing modality, I don’t always make time for regular bodywork. Shocking, right? Luckily, I’ve learned some fantastic massage hacks over the years that are beneficial for numerous physical discomforts.  Now, you can also harness the restorative power of these massage hacks for your own body––and “wow” your family or friends in the process. You’re welcome!  

Tap Fingers to Relieve Sinuses. 
Tap the tips of your fingers together to help relieve and stimulate your sinuses. How does this work? In reflexology, the entire body is mirrored in the hands, feet, ears and face. Reflex points connected to the sinuses, are contained in the fingertips, so go ahead and tap away.  

Thump Your Thymus to Activate the Immune System. 

Thump your thymus in the middle of your chest to jumpstart the immune system and increase energy. The term thymus comes from the Greek word “thymos” which means life energy. Consequently, when the thymus gland is stimulated by tapping or thumping, it increases your life energy. When in harmony, this gland enhances both strength and vitality.   

Rub Peppermint Oil on Temples to Relieve Headaches.  

Rub a few drops of peppermint oil on your temples to alleviate tension headaches. Peppermint oil creates a cooling sensation and helps relax the muscles in your head and neck. The scent of peppermint oil also calms your nerves and clears nasal passages which is beneficial for headaches caused by stress or sinus pressure.  

Activate Acupressure Points for Relaxation. 

Go Outside and Walk Barefoot. 

Walking barefoot and connecting to the earth grounds your mind and spirit, making you significantly less prone to depression. Even before people started wearing shoes all the time, walking barefoot stimulated reflexology points on the feet. Walking barefoot can help heal your whole body, so take a walk on the wild side. 

Activate the Acupressure Headache Point. 

Your hand contains one of the most effective acupressure points for reducing tension, so rub this point thoroughly to relieve headache discomforts.  

Alleviate Back Pain with Tennis Balls. 

Place two tennis balls in a tube sock, then tie off the end. Throw the sock over your shoulder and lean against a wall. Apply the desired amount of pressure and knead the tennis balls into the sore spots along your back. This works out tension and tightness in both the back and shoulders.  

Try this DIY Personal Foot Massager. 

This particularly benefits anyone who sits at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Put a tennis or golf ball under your desk. Take your shoes off and roll ball under each foot. This help relieves stress and tension throughout the day. Caution: may become addictive! 

Pamper Yourself with Affordable Spa Treatments. 

Try this at-home Salt Scrub regimen for luxurious skin without breaking the budget. 

Blend carefully to achieve the desired consistency, then use in the shower or bathtub for incredibly soft and glowing skin.  

Relieve Tension with Bath Salts. 

Mix Epsom salts together with six or eight drops of your favorite essential oil. If you choose lavender essential, you can also add fresh lavender blooms. The result is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, considering that salt pulls soreness and toxins from the body.