Tips for doing a mini massage

Tips for doing a mini massage
by: Marissa Anteby



Do you have 30 seconds to revitalize your energy and transform your whole day? Yes, you read correctly. Even if you do the outlined technique for a mere 30 seconds you will notice a significant positive physiological effect. That’s all it takes for your relaxation-response to kick in and send calming hormones floating through your body…ahhhh.

However, I should advise you, there is one caveat. You must have the true intention of letting go and relaxing. If your mind is running in all directions, you’re going to need and want more than 30 seconds.

Gather these items:
•  tennis ball, racquetball, or any small sized rubber ball
•  washcloth

•  3 inch piece of string
•  1 cup of warm water
•  2 tsp lemon juice (or rose water)

1.  Mix the lemon juice (or rose water) and water.

2.  Submerge the washcloth in this mixture.

3.  Ring out the washcloth, then warm it up in a microwave oven on high for 30 seconds.

4.  Be careful not to burn your hands. If the washcloth is too hot to handle, let it stand until it cools enough to proceed.

5.  Place the ball in the center of the washcloth. Gather the edges of the cloth, and tie a tight bow at the base of the ball.

Now that your preparations are over, find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

A.  Rest the wrapped ball on the large muscles of your body for 30 seconds each, then move in a circular pattern from the mid-line of your body outwards. For example; make circles from your shoulder down your arm, all the way to your hand, then circles from your hip down your leg, all the way to your foot.

B.  Try to go slow, in order for your body to absorb the benefits of the lemon (or rose) scent and the relaxation of the massage.

C.  Repeat both right and left sides of your body. (Moving from your core out to your extremities will help rid your body of tension instead of trapping it.)

D.  When you are done, sit with your eyes closed for a few moments before you get up and walk around. This is the best part. Clear your mind by focusing on the fragrance of lemon (or rose.)

If you wish, re-heat the washcloth if it gets cool. Remember, this is about YOU. Do what’s going to make YOU happy. In fact, if the concept of doing something rejuvenating appeals to you, but you’re limited on time, you can do the major muscle group circular massage described above, using the knuckles of one hand in place of the ball and washcloth. Or perhaps, you need a super short cut version; dab a wet wash cloth on your forehead and focus your awareness on the soothing circles of calm emanating from there. The idea is to find a way to take a short break from your daily routine, in order to clear your mind and rest your body.

As always, scroll down to post your comments below. I’d love to read about your personal variations on this massage, and your overall take on the experience. Make sure to tell your friends to comment too. One random winner will be selected from people who comment on any of my articles (look for written by: Marissa Anteby.) And guess what they win? A FREE Thai Yoga Massage from www.embodyinc.com

Click here for a description http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage


Marissa Anteby
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com

Renee says:
April 12, 2010 at 11:45 AM
WOW!!! This was just perfect, i look forward to more great tips from Marissa. As a professional working woman and homemaker every second counts. This felt WONDERFUL.

Jamie says:
April 11, 2010 at 11:12 AM
We have a massage like this at Clay NYC…come take Marissa’s Sun 10:15am Cycling class & stay for a massage!

Maggie says:
April 9, 2010 at 6:13 PM
Sounds good, have to try this. today the aroma of fresh baked challah is (finally) my relaxation.
Thanks Marissa, Shabbat shalom.

Marissa Anteby says:
April 9, 2010 at 4:55 PM
Mim- http://www.embodyinc.com has ‘Yoga To Go’ – yes, we’ll come to u! MM- perfect w/ lavender – good call! You can substitute jasmine, geranium, patchouli, etc for lemon.

Michele says:
April 9, 2010 at 4:16 PM
i feel relaxed just reading about relaxing! thank you – sounds great – def gonna try it

Michelle Maleh says:
April 9, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Love this idea… Would also be good with lavender no? yummmm soo relaxing!

Miriam says:
April 9, 2010 at 4:00 PM
please come over now

Marissa Anteby says:
April 9, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Yes Patti, #1; make time to do NOTHING. We are all so wired to be in motion, it’s important to find stillness. #2; Come attend one of my Embody Serenity classes. marissa@embodyinc.com

Charles says:
April 9, 2010 at 11:52 AM
I have tried this . It really works great.

Patti says:
April 9, 2010 at 11:50 AM
A friend just sent me this Link . This sounds so cool – Can’t wait to try it tonight. Do you have any other relaxation exercises like this. I would love to try them.

Tiffany says:
April 9, 2010 at 11:46 AM
This sounds great , i cant wait to try it