belly massage

I am a BIG fan of this technique.
It helps when I have period pain, low back tension or indigestion and I always feel so relaxed afterwards. Highly recommend finding a pliable squishy ball and having a go.

Jill Miller explains more of the benefits here.

Yoga Tune Up

Recently added these lil balls to my foam roller routine and they are brilliant!
The foam roller is like watching the TV in black an white, the balls are like colour!!

Yoga Tune Up balls

Sequence

Introducing basic movement patterns into everyday life.

1. SQUAT! Anywhere and everywhere. Work towards making this a position to rest in. Practice makes perfect!  

2. Take the stairs...but don't just walk up them find as many different ways to ascend and desend as you can. Two steps at a time, on your hands and knees, sideways, hoping...

3. See how long you can hold your breath underwater in the bath.

4. Hang! From anything. This is a current favorite of mine...

5. Run for the bus, even if you know you will probably miss it.

6. Get of the tube/bus/horse a stop or two early and enjoy the walk. Infact walk as much as you can. This is another favorite of mine, I've discovered all sorts of hidden treasures on my walks round London and it actually doesn't rain that much...

7. Pay attention to the movements you repeat most in your day and work on ways to make them more efficient in your yoga practice.

8. And then use your yoga practice to include the movements that your daily life lacks.

9. Massage your feet.

10. PLAY!!!!

Image by Barnaby Kent

Recommendation

This massage oil from Aesop smells gorgeous! Really lovely massaged into skin fresh out of the shower/bath/hotspring/ocean...

 Breathless hydrating body treatment

Work your amazeballs...

I tried Yamuna Body-Rolling with Leila Sadaghee this weekend. Very interesting...I recommend having a go.

Find out more about Leila here and read all about the technique in this article.

(source: EveningStandard)

Massage

The Massage book by George Downing and Anne Kent Rush via Gravel&Gold

Basic Foot Massage

1. Begin by stroking top of foot, between cords located on top of foot at instep. Move in the direction toe to ankle. Then, continue by stroking sole of foot, first more gently, then increase pressure.
2. Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not neglect the sides.
3. Hold the foot with one hand, use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle. Repeat about 5 times in each direction.
4.  Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. Give enough attention to the arch.
5. Begin with the big toe and working towards the little toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
6. Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.

I like to start my yoga practice with a mini foot massage. Feet love rubs and it really helps to wake them up!

Source: wikihow