How to Give Myself a Facial

How to Give Myself a Facial



Spa facials can be quite expensive, especially if you take advantage of every possible technique available. You can do the same quality facial in your own home for a fraction of the price, but you must be willing to get your hands a little dirty in the process.







Things You'll Need:





Facial cleanser




Facial scrub




Water and washcloth




Towel or hair band




Face mask




Facial moisturizer









1


Cleanse your face using a gel or cream facial cleanser. Be sure to use specific eye make up remover if necessary to ensure all traces of oils and makeup are eliminated from your face before proceeding with the rest of the facial. Rinse all traces of cleanser from your face before going on to step 2.





2


Rub a gentle exfoliating scrub to your face and gently rub the exfoliant in circles around your face. Make sure to target the T-zone especially (the forehead and nose) to open pores and eliminate bacteria that can cause blackheads. Rinse away all traces of the exfoliator before going on to step 3.





3


Fill the sink with hot water and soak the washcloth in the water. Ring out the majority of the water, then press the hot, damp cloth to your face, allowing the steam to help bring out the impurities in the skin.





4


Apply a face mask to your face. Use a clay mask for oily skin, or a cream mask for dry skin. Cover the entire face with a thin coat of the mask, then allow the mask to dry for about 15 minutes (read the directions on the specific product for exact time). Rinse or peel mask from face after the time has passed. Rinse face with lukewarm water to make sure all mask residue is gone from the face before going on to step 5.





5


Apply facial moisturizer to the entire face. Make sure the moisturizer you choose is good for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, make sure you choose a moisturizer that is oil-free, so it will not cause you to break out.








Tips & Warnings










Use a gel cleanser if you have more oily skin, a cream-based cleanser if you have dryer skin.








You can make your own face mask out of egg whites and honey (for oily to normal skin), or from avocado and banana (for dry skin).








Don't use products containing alcohol. They can be extremely drying on the skin.








Don't use moisturizers containing retinols or acids, as these can over-exfoliate your skin.



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How to Give Lomi Lomi Massage

How to Give Lomi Lomi Massage



Lomi lomi massage is a Hawaiian massage technique that promotes total health. Lomi lomi massage focuses on physical, spiritual, mental and emotional healing and wellness. In Hawaiian families most people learn to give lomi lomi massage because they pass the technique down through the family for generations. When you give lomi lomi massage, it's important to use your arms and elbows in a fluid motion at all times.









1


Use your elbow and forearm to give a lomi lomi massage. Apply light, fluid pressure moving constantly over and under portions of the body all at once.





2


Work up and down all of the areas that you massage. Move your elbows and forearms so that you massage under and over the body all at once when you give lomi lomi massage.





3


Apply constant pressure down the length of the leg. Take a foot or leg and run your forearm up and around while pulling and stretching the leg and hip.





4


Give lomi lomi massage to the back area using constant pressure moving in different directions all at once. Use long, fluid movements to stretch the lower back muscles.





5


Pull the recipient's arm behind his back to give lomi lomi massage under the shoulder blade using the tip of your elbow.








Tips & Warnings










Drink plenty of water following a lomi lomi massage to allow the toxins to flush from your body.








Two people can successfully perform the lomi lomi massage at the same time to give the recipient a deeper feeling of relaxation.



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How to Give Cranioscaral Therapy

How to Give Cranioscaral Therapy



According to the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators, cranialsacral therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. Used by energy healers, body workers and massage therapists, craniosacral therapy is a mind/body technique that restores health and balance. The theory behind the alternative medical practice is that throughout a lifetime of physical and emotional blows, the effects of these traumas are stored in the body's tissue. This leads to health problems and emotional issues. Using craniosacral therapy, the body can release deeply held patterns of physical and emotional disease.







Things You'll Need:





anatomical knowledge









1


Have the patient lay down fully-dressed on a table in a quiet, relaxing area. An average session lasts approximately one hour. Start by assessing the conditions in the body by gently palpating the tissues for restrictions. The craniosacral system system includes a palpable rhythm or pulse that helps to determine whether or not the body is functioning properly and where there may be areas of pain and dysfunction.





2


Stretch the connective tissue around the cranium to allow easier movement of the bones. This begins the treatment portion that lasts the majority of the session.The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.





3


Next, apply slow, steady pressure to the bones in order to actually get them moving. Encourage the patient to take slow deep breaths.





4


End the session by allowing the patient to remain on the table for a short rest and meditation. Nearly everyone feels a deep sense of relaxation by the end of the therapy and some people may even experience repressed memories or emotions that they need to deal with in order to fully heal.





5


Each person's body is different and while some people may require regular sessions of one or twice a week for several weeks, others may only need it done once. Also, keep in mind that it most likely took several years for someone to tie him/herself into a myofascial knot, so immediate results may not be noticeable.








Tips & Warnings










Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.








The effects of Craniosacral Therapy remain controversial and have not been scientifically substantiated.



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How to Give a Warm Oil Ayurvedic Massage

How to Give a Warm Oil Ayurvedic Massage



Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient form of Eastern medicine that's been gaining acclaim in the West as an effective alternative therapy for a variety of ailments. One specific component of Ayurvedic medicine is Ayurvedic warm oil massage. You can learn how to give yourself an Ayurvedic massage by following some basic techniques.









1


Select an oil that is particular to your "dosha." Using the appropriate oil helps to reestablish balance in your dosha. Heat the oil slightly before beginning your massage.





2


Place a small amount of oil on your head. Use your palm and the flat part of your fingers to rub the oil around your scalp in a circular motion.





3


Move down from your scalp to your face and ears. Continue massaging your face and ears in a circular motion. Focus a lot of attention on your ears.





4


Apply lots of oil over your entire body. Allow the oil to sink into your skin as you massage your neck, upper back and upper chest areas.





5


Massage your arms and legs using long straight strokes. Whenever possible, massage in the same direction your hair grows. Use the flat part of your fingers to massage around your joints in a circular motion.





6


Place your hand over your abdomen and massage in a circular, clockwise motion. This stimulates digestion.





7


Focus your attention on your feet. Use your open palm to massage the bottom of the feet thoroughly.








Tips & Warnings










Massage for 10 to 20 minutes daily.








Take a warm shower immediately after completing your Ayurveda oil massage.








Sesame oil tends to be good for all doshas.



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How to Give a Thai Massage for the Feet

How to Give a Thai Massage for the Feet



Thai massage is sometimes referred to as lazy person's yoga, as the experience feels like having yoga done to your body. This type of massage is done on a mat on the floor, rather than on a regular massage table. Thai foot massage is typically a very strong massage, but you can use a lighter touch to suit the needs of the receiver.









1


Remove anything covering the feet. Socks, shoes and jewelry should not be on the person's feet during the massage. Have the receiver lay face down on the floor, using a mat on the floor for comfort.





2


Walk onto the soles of the feet carefully, while maintaining firm pressure. Walk up toward the heels, using both the balls of your feet and your heels. Work your way back town toward the toes.





3


Kneel down to use the strength of your knees to continue the massage. Use a rocking motion to help further relax the feet. Don't rock hard over bony areas.





4


Switch your massage technique to using your closed fists on pressure points. Use your body weight to lean your fists into the muscles of the feet.





5


Apply your thumbs to the same pressure points, digging firmly but gently into the soles of the feet. Focus on the bonier areas when using your thumbs, as a Thai massage is generally not as strong, and therefore more comfortable over those areas when you use your thumbs.








Tips & Warnings










Adjust your position to ensure the receiver is comfortable. Pressure does not equal pain while giving this massage.








Move smoothly and steadily over the entire foot, rather than jumping around to random areas. A Thai foot massage should be relaxing as well as therapeutic.



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How to Give a Swedish Scalp Massage

How to Give a Swedish Scalp Massage



When you give Swedish massage to the scalp you balance the entire body and lay the foundation for the rest of the Swedish massage. Massaging the scalp not only promotes relaxation but improves the health of the scalp and the hair by increasing the circulation of blood in this area.









1


Place your fingers just above the ears. Point your hands upward. Apply firm pressure as you slowly slide your fingers toward the top of the head. Repeat this about four times.





2


Set your thumbs at the bottom back of the scalp at the center, with your fingers resting behind the ears. Rotate the thumbs in small circles as they move toward the crown of the scalp. Repeat this about five times. Move the thumbs outward a half inch with each repetition.





3


Stand to the client's left side and place your right hand behind the client's head to hold it steady. Place the pads of the fingers of your left hand right above the eyebrows and gently press toward the crown of the head. Repeat this about four times.





4


Position yourself behind the client with your fingers at the front hairline. Massage the scalp by rotating your fingers in little circles, covering the entire top and sides of the scalp.





5


Massage the back of the scalp by placing your fingers behind the client's ears and rotating them in little circles toward the crown. Repeat about four times.





6


Follow this scalp massage with a flowing and elegant full body massage.








Tips & Warnings










Have each stroke carry the intention of both soothing the tissue and releasing stress.








Fast strokes on the scalp can excite and aggravate the client. Keep the strokes firm, but slow.








Be careful not to pull the hair.



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How to Give a Swedish Massage

How to Give a Swedish Massage



Swedish massage is designed to bring more oxygen to the blood, helping the body flush toxins from the muscles. It's commonly known as massage therapy, and is the most common type of professional massage. Even without training, you can give a friend or family member a Swedish massage.







Things You'll Need:





Scented oils




Soft background music




Candles




A massage table or substitute




A sheet for draping the body







The Strokes




1


Study the various strokes and practice them on a firm pillow. The effleurage is a gliding stroke that is done with the palms of the hand, the thumbs and sometimes the fingertips.





2


Try the petrissage stroke, which involves a kneading movement done with the hands, thumbs and sometimes the fingers.





3


Master the friction stroke done with the palms of hands, thumbs and occasionally the fingers applying a circular pressure.





4


Accomplish the vibration stroke which does just as the name indicates, vibrates the body.





5


Perfect the percussion movement. Most of us have seen a Swedish Massage therapist on television whacking the back of a client, this is the percussion movement.





6


Learn the passive and active movements or the bending and stretching of the body parts.



Preparing the Area




1


Convert a bed or other piece of furniture to a massage area, if you don't have a massage table. Provide a soft surface and some padding to cradle her head.





2


Gather body oils that are scented. Discuss which varieties add to relaxation. Find scents that are appealing to you as well as him.





3


Ask the recipient to disrobe and provide a sheet for him to cover himself with while on the table. The massage is more effective on bare skin, and the sheet allows for modesty so neither of you are uncomfortable.








Tips & Warnings










Remember that it must be comfortable not only for the recipient, but also for you. Make certain that the one you're massaging is not too low that it will cause back strain on you.



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