Curing caresses

Giving yourself massages on specific areas is a great gift for your body and soul. Massages can help to release tension and relieve discomforts brought on by your menstrual period. They also help to pick up your energy. We've put together a guide of techniques ideal for the most difficult days.

+ According to the Chinese healing art qi gong, there is vital energy flowing through our bodies, circulating through special channels –or meridians– throughout the body. The discipline of qi gong consists of a series of gentle movements, without using muscular strength, to conserve and restore the body's energy.

FOR PMS

For PMS, menopause or postpartum apply massages on the dantian, the central point of the body, where vital energy is stored from where it's distributed. This point helps to restore balance and harmony for women.

1. Place your hands on the dantian and rub using slanted and alternating movements (when one hand moves up the other lowers). Rub up and down 30 times.

2. Next, close your fists and with your wrists relaxed apply gentle alternating taps with one fist at a time along the dantian, stimulating the distribution of energy along the meridians. Repeat 30 times with each fist.

AFTER CHILD BIRTH

The following massage is especially good for toning the abdominal muscles after giving birth.

1. Lie down on your back and with your fingers gently “pinch” the skin, lifting it up, pulling and then releasing.

2. Repeat the technique of lifting up the skin, but this time alternating with both hands. Continue the massage for a few minutes, alternating hands. Use the same technique on the other side. Next, slide the hands down to the muscles over the womb and continue the massage.