Self massage techniques for your legs

Learning to massage your own legs is essential for any lifestyle. It is beneficial to the most active, and to the person who has never done any form of exercise. Leg massages greatly reduce the aches and pains of tired leg muscles. Regular leg massage can improve the overall appearance of the leg.

Things you will need: massage oil, or body lotion.

Things you should know: You will be using the stroking, circular pressure and kneading techniques. Kneading is very useful on the thighs; it stretches and relaxes the leg muscles. Slow kneading will penetrate to deeper tissues while faster kneading is more stimulating.

Stroking: This is the most used massage technique. Glide your hands slowly using your finger tips. Stroking has a calming effect and you can massage an entire body with the stroking techniques.

Circular pressure: Circling is a continuous movement. Place both hands on the body slightly apart,and then stroke around in circles. Pressure is applied steadily and never sharply. So you will be applying gradual pressure while making small circular movement.

Tips: Pour a small amount of oil in your palms and rub them together to warm the massage oil...Use very little or no oil when applying pressure.

Step 1.
You will start by bending your knee slightly, and laying your foot flat. Start by stroking your leg from the ankle to the thigh. Stroke the calf and the knee and up to the top of the thigh. Repeat three to five times.

Step 2.
You will be kneading the whole thigh with special attention to the outside and front of the thigh. With your right hand squeeze and release the flesh on the thigh. Do the same with your left hand. Follow up by stoking the thigh starting at the knee.

Step 3.
Pound the front and the outside of your thighs with a fist. This should be a loose fist. This is great for relieving stiffness as it brings blood to the surface of the skin.

Step 4.
Massage the entire area of the knee by stroking the area with gentle movements. Next add pressure around the knee cap using circular pressure. Finish up by softly stroking the back of your knee.

Step 5.
With both hands knead the calf muscles. Squeeze the calf muscles with your right hand then with your left hand. Make sure to squeeze away from the body.

While engaging in self massage pay attention to the different sensation you feel from each type of massage technique. This habit will allow you to adjust your massage to achieve a particular feeling at any given time.