The Healing Powers of Massage

Daily Health Tips update for April 23:

Massage has long been used to relieve stress, but check out the new ways researchers say massage can make you feel better:

• Tummy Massage—Kneading your stomach will soothe away upset stomachs. It
   
  activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the smooth muscle that lines your intestines and colon, which eliminates excess gas.
• Hand Massage—Knead the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger for five minutes. This acupressure

   

  point governs moods, and massaging it can help you calm down during anxious situations.
• Back Massage—An easy back massage decreases stress and lifts your levels of delta brain waves, which helps you relax and sleep.
• Nose Massage—Rubbing your nose increases levels of lymphocytes, which are immune system cells. It also activates sinus pressure points to help relieve nasal congestion.
• Toe Massage—The bottoms of your feet and toes have 7,000 nerve endings and the energy medians in your toes are linked to the brain. Gently rub the sole of each foot for five minutes and then press on the tips of each toe to awaken the brain and boost your ability to focus.

Source: Women’s World

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