Often, in the quest for beauty, we forget one simple, but important, part of our body care routine: Sleep. Sleep is a natural state that allows the body to relax and regenerate damaged and tired cells. Giving yourself a quick 5 to 10 minute self massage before bedtime can help you rest and recuperate.
Take a warm bath and relax. Warm up massage oil, or make your own oil using 12 drops of lavender, 8 drops of neroli, 5 drops of rose oil and an ounce of almond oil.
2
Get in a relaxed position in your bed. Using the pillow for lumbar support, get comfortable. If you don't mind the idea of getting oil on your linens, you can perform the massage in your bed and can leave the oil on your body while you sleep and wash it off the next morning.
3
Start the massage. Rest the three central fingers of each hand on each eyebrow. Close your eyes lightly and remain in that position for a few moments while continuing to take deep relaxing breaths.
4
Place the middle finger of each hand on either side of your nose, just above the bridge of your nose, between your eyebrows. Following the line of your brow, make small circles with your fingers along the length of your brows as far as your temples, holding your fingers over the temples for a moment, using slight pressure. Return to the center of your forehead, this time with your fingers placed slightly higher, and trace another line out towards your temples in the same pattern.
5
Repeat the motion. Each time you make a pass, move your fingers up slightly until you reach the hairline. Follow the hairline around to the back of you neck and use the same circular movements on the nape of your neck.
6
Make the same circular movement patterns from your hairline down your neck, with your fingers on either side of your spine. Don't massage the spine. If your spine feels tight you will want to massage it with a more vigorous pressure.
7
Use the same movements from the center of your forehead to the back of your scalp and down the nape of your neck. Try using your whole hand to massage your scalp, as if kneading it.
8
Sleep. If you are not already in bed, go to bed. If you don't mind the oil, leave it on. If you are uncomfortable, cleanse your face quickly and gently with warm water. Pat dry.
Tips & Warnings
Recurring sleep problems should be reported to your physician.
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