Stressed Out? .....Stretched Out! - 3

Basic massage strokes include effleurage (long light gliding strokes made with the entire inside surface of the hands and used on the arms, legs, back and chest), kneading (firm, grasping pressure used to move muscles and skin, and similar to the movement used on the abdominal region, buttocks, arms, legs, hands and feet) and rolling (used for moving large masses of skin; it is like rolling clay between your hands and used on the thighs, claves of legs, upper arms and buttocks).
Yoga, another great stress-reliever, keeps your mind, body and joints supple and flexible. Although it may be difficult to learn in the beginning, constant practice will yield immeasurable benefits.
Another popular way to manage stress is acupressure, otherwise knows as “reflexology” or “zone therapy”. Acupressure involve exerting pressure on various points in the body. Each point corresponds to an important organ or muscle area. To locate and treat a health problem or break down stress, you merely massage the corresponding area on the foot or hand. Unlike massage, acupressure does away with creams and oils. Here, strong pressure is the key, as much pressure as you would use in pushing a thumbtack into a piece of wood. You must also press everywhere. Work thoroughly over the entire sole or palm, then lift the foot slightly and work your way to the sides of the heel all the way to the ankle bone. Pain in any region indicates a health problem in the area. Constant massage will do the trick. Even the most difficult tasks become more bearable when your life is stress-free. Although stress makes life interesting, exciting and challenging, you must know how and able to handle it to your advantage.