THE POWER OF TOUCH
Therapies to help you de-stress
Touch is the first sense we develop and it forms a crucial part of our communication system with the outside world. When you touch your skin, receptors sitting at different levels within it send messages to the brain; some of these receptors are switched on by the lightest touch, others prefer deeper, more sustained pressure, setting up signals to the brain via nerve fibres and giving you feelings of pleasure and calm. And when touch is orchestrated using classic massage techniques by a well-trained therapist, even more wellbeing bonuses come into play. However, if you are still feeling edgy about close contact, try a little self-massage. After all, skin responds to hands – even our own.
Indian head massage FOR MORE RESTFUL SLEEP
Stressed, sleepless and headachy over the past few months? Putting your head into someone’s hands makes perfect sense.
Why so good? ‘It’s the perfect antidote to stress, as it can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, producing a calm and relaxed feeling in the mind and body,’ says Mary Dalgleish, vice president of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. ‘This can also lift mood and help strengthen the immune system.’
What to expect? Surprisingly, it’s not just about the head. Using a mix of strokes, a treatment usually begins with a massaging of the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and even the face. ‘These are the areas in which most people carry tension,’ says Mary. It’s versatile, too. ‘Practitioners can tailor the treatment, using gentle strokes if you want to feel relaxed, or deeper moves if you want to feel energised.’
Feels like? The best low-key treatment ever. In 30 minutes, it’s as though you’ve had a full-body massage, but there’s no need to take your clothes off or have oil put in your hair.
The result? ‘Clients say they sleep better and feel more relaxed, with less stress, headaches and jaw tension,’ says Mary. As a bonus, hair condition can improve and hair loss may be reduced.
The cost? Around £40 for 30 minutes, but prices vary nationwide.
TRY IT AT HOME
This easy routine created by Mary is a real stress-relieving gem.
Using the fingers and thumbs of both hands, comb through your hair from your forehead towards the back of your head 6 times; then do the sides of your head from front to back 6 times.
Massage your scalp, as if you were washing your hair, for at least 1 minute.
3 ‘Drum’ your fingers lightly all over your head, then use the sides of your hands to gently hit all over the top of your head.
4 Use both hands to grab fistfuls of hair at the roots and give it a shake. Do this all over your head; this helps get blood flowing to the hair roots.
5 Take your head between your palms and apply gentle pressure all around. 6 Thoroughly massage your ears. 7 Finish by combing through your hair with your fingers, as before. Then lay your hands lightly on top of your head and sweep down to your shoulders.
NOTE If you suffer from epilepsy, avoid the stimulating techniques in step 3. Mary Dalgleish also runs her own practice (head2toemassage.co.uk). Find an Indian head massage therapist at fht.org.uk or champissageinternational.com
Feeling stressed or tense? We’ve rounded up five soothing hands-on therapies that can help. Visit a spa or therapist or simply follow our DIY at-home guide
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