Hands On: Foundations of Self Massage

Touch is vital. As early as infancy, touch is a staple of healthy development and nurture. It is proven that babies who are exposed to touch as early as possible thrive at a higher rate than babies who are starved of a warm embrace. That is why “skin to skin” is so heavily integrated and an equally cherished practice far and wide. Helping a newborn integrate to their new and unfamiliar environment is achieved by this tried and true method. 

The same is necessary throughout our lifespan. When used regularly and with intention, touch is the catalyst to healthy mind and body. As we age, the responsibility cannot solely be on our primary caretakers and paying to have this service provided, while supportive, can be out of reach for some. Reasons spanning from past negative experiences with touch to financial challenges to simply not knowing this is the comfort their nervous system has been searching for. The solution? Self massage! 

Asking for touch from others can be a vulnerable experience. Taking matters into your own hands will empower you to pioneer your self care and experiences of accepting pleasure in ways you may not have yet explored. This practice of self massage allows you to be in control of every element for YOUR benefit. By making a habit of giving yourself moments to connect with your own being offers you the opportunity to foster the trust of your own touch and more importantly of your own inner knowing. You get the gift of choosing your perfect pressure, what oil or lotion glides over your body with effortless ease and best of all, the joy of figuring out, moment by moment, what techniques elicit a yes from your core.

I like to set aside time, as a daily ritual, to focus on a different area that needs attention. Even if it feels awkward to start, you will fall in love with your own touch. Don’t worry if you don’t know “how”, lead with the feedback from your body. Perhaps starting with a simple foot massage or neck rub. The best pro-tip I can offer is that most techniques are transferrable from body part to body part. For example, kneading your calf is almost exactly like kneading your biceps or upper traps and shoulders. So don’t sweat the technique so much. Have fun exploring what feels good in your body, thank me later! 

Here are a few tools to get you started! 

Using your thumbs in a circular motion, press/rub your ears from cartilage around to earlobes. (This can flow into a self scalp massage!)

With fingertips, tap the front of your chest to help with tightness. Creating a rhythm both regulates your nervous system and can allow for deeper breath. 

Using the pinky side of your fist: lightly pound your thighs & glutes to release tension from long periods of sitting or standing. 

Conclusion

The power of touch is undeniable and crucial for our overall well-being at every stage of life. While seeking touch from others may feel vulnerable, practicing self massage can be a transformative and empowering experience. By taking the time to connect with your own body, you can learn to trust your own touch and explore what feels good for you. Starting with simple techniques like massaging your ears, chest, or thighs can lead to a deeper understanding of your body's needs and a greater sense of self-care. So take the time to give yourself the gift of touch, and discover the joy and healing that can come from your own hands.

About the Author

In her experience of honoring therapeutic touch and practicing the art of mindful movement, Tianna is often overjoyed to unearth new and fruitful ways to help clients and students take root into their bodies. Tianna is a Certified Massage Therapist, who specializes in nurturing the perinatal body and somatic experiences.  She is also a Certified Postpartum Doula and finds solace in providing birthing and postpartum care to birthing people and their families. Tianna also centers mindful movement in session, as she is a certified yoga instructor and empowers her clients through the exploration of body movement. She dubs herself the "seasoned novice", as a reminder that this work is fueled by curiosity and play, our bodies being the wonderful landscapes we are gifted to embark on!